Cemetery Symbolism Clasped Hands and Pointing Fingers

Seen as an important symbol of life, hands and fingers carved into gravestones represent the deceaseds relationships with other human beings and with God. Cemetery hands tend to be found most commonly on Victorian tombstones of the 1800s to mid-1900s, and are typically portrayed in one of four ways: blessing, clasping, pointing or praying. Finger Pointing Up or Down A hand with the index finger pointing up symbolizes the hope of heaven, while a hand with the index finger pointing down represents God reaching down for the soul. The finger pointing down does not indicate damnation; instead, it most commonly represents an untimely, sudden, or unexpected death.   A hand with a finger pointing at a book typically represents the Bible.   Hands Holding Something Hands holding a chain with a broken link symbolizes the death of a family member or, sometimes, the bonds of marriage, broken by death. The hand of God plucking a link of the chain represents God bringing a soul unto himself. Hands holding an open book (usually a representation of the Bible) symbolize the embodiment of faith. Hands holding a heart  are symbolic of charity and are most typically seen on headstones of members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.). Handshake or Clasped Hands The  handshake  or representation of clasped hands dates back to the Victorian era and represents a farewell to earthly existence and Gods welcome into heaven. It may also indicate a relationship between the deceased and the loved ones they left behind. If the sleeves of the two hands are masculine and feminine, the handshake, or clasped hands, may symbolize holy matrimony, or the eternal unity of a husband or wife. Sometimes the hand on top or the arm positioned slightly higher than the other indicates the person who passed away first, and is now guiding their loved one into the next life. Alternatively, it may indicate God or someone else reaching down to guide them up to Heaven. Clasped hands can also sometimes represent lodge fellowship and are often seen on  Masonic and I.O.O.F. headstones. Hand Holding an Ax A hand holding an ax means sudden death or a life cut short. Cloud With a Hand Emerging This represents God reaching down to the deceased. Fingers Parted in a V or Hands with Touching Thumbs Two hands, with middle and ring fingers parted to form a V (often with the thumbs touching), are the symbol of a Jewish priestly blessing, from Kohen or Cohen, or the plural form Kohanim or Cohanim  (Hebrew for priest). Kohanim are direct male descendants of Aaron, the first Kohen, and brother of Moses. Some Jewish surnames often associated with this symbol include Cahn/Kahn, Cohn/Kohn and Cohen/Kohen, although this symbol may also be found on gravestones of people with other surnames. Leonard Nimoy modeled the Live Long and Prosper hand gesture of his Star Trek character, Spock after this symbol.

Essay on Returning to College as an Adult - 650 Words

Returning to College as an Adult Coming to college as an adult, we have many expectations and preconceptions of what college will or will not be. The expectations we have can influence our college life for the better or the worse. My experience since starting college has been an interesting one. People have misconceptions about college because they do not know what to expect. After doing some research, I have concluded that there are three major factors that are often misunderstood about college life. The first is the financial aspect of college. Second, is the relationship between the professors and students. Third is time management. These three factors play an important role in why people are afraid to go down the path to college.†¦show more content†¦There are many options available from low-tuition state universities, financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement. In some cases, you can be eligible for various types of grants. Being a single mother or just shopping at a certain supermarket can make you eligible. There is a misconception about the professors (sometimes called instructors). Questions arise such as; will they make time for me when I need the extra help? How large will the class be? Will they understand that this may not be as easy for me as it is for others? These questions enter our minds and may seem discouraging at times. Through my personal experiences I have found that classroom atmospheres may not always be for everyone. However, that does not mean college life is not for everyone. You can take many alternative routes. You can take advantage of telecourses, online courses, accelerated courses and many other options that may be more suitable. My professors have been great. They come in earlier to help and return e-mails and/or phone calls promptly. You also expect to be able to accomplish your work quickly and with minimal stress, leaving more time to work and spend with your family. You expect to be able to do what you did in high school and still pass. However college, by far, is nowhere as easy as most anticipate. You have to study, unlike high school, where you could float on by with As by seldomly attending class. College is harder than high school and thereforeShow MoreRelatedReturning to College as an Adult Essay1008 Words   |  5 Pagesmany years—returning to school to earn a degree. Returning to school has always been achievable; however, as each year of my life sped by and I got older, I always came up with more and more excuses as to why I should not return to school. One day I received a course catalog in the mail showing online classes at the college. I decide that an online class would be the first step to my future. I am so grateful for the first day of that class. All the excuses and delays regardi ng returning to schoolRead MoreAdults Return to the Classroom1565 Words   |  7 PagesAdults return to the classroom The growing trend of older adults going back to school has doubled over the last ten years according to Career Builders.com and online employment service I have used in the past. With increasing technology changing the job market to skilled labor and the current economic crises causing loss of employment, lay offs and business closings, more and more adults are faced with finding themselves back in the classroom. As I join the many other adult students overRead MoreThe Changing Transition Of Adulthood By Goldscheider Goldsheider And Echoboomerang By Pamela Paul1617 Words   |  7 Pagescohorts which are groupings of generational time periods in history. They agree that the main pathway, children choose in seeking to become an adult out of their parents’ house, is college. The reasons why young adult children may return home to live is to finish paying off college loans and fees that were accumulated while attending school. Both accuse colleges and universities of being raising the cost of intuition or practicing deceptive measures in order to charge student more money. For example;Read MoreLifespan Development1327 Words   |  5 Pagesthat that the majority of college students are white and come from the middle class. However, there is an increase in the number of minority students. The ages of college students may vary widely as well, since more than one third of them are over the age of 25 (Hussar Bailey, 2009). The number of older students reflects a significant change in the college population. Many more students who graduate high school are waiting to attend college instead of attending college directly after high schoolRead MoreGraduation Speech : Becoming A College1181 Words   |  5 Pagesof career colleges, vocational schools that now off er bachelor s degree programs targeted toward working adults like myself. People frequently enroll in career colleges to acquire new skills or enhance their knowledge. Career colleges offer vocational training programs, such as nursing, beauty, auto repair, electronics, and engineering. Through my research I found that increasing numbers of working professionals are enrolling in school to learn the skills necessary to earn a college degree or takeRead MoreLiterature Review793 Words   |  4 Pagesinflux of adult learners returning to college to obtain new or improve their skill set, to obtain a degree to earn more money, and to prepare for a new job altogether as the jobs began to close. The closing of jobs forced workers to seek alternatives way to obtain new jobs, such as returning to school; thus, this area began in the early 2000s with the scarce amount of high paying jobs being available today. Retention is a specific area of concern for many institutions, since the adult po pulationRead MoreAfrican American Nontraditional Students Case Study966 Words   |  4 Pagesnumbers of nontraditional students returning to colleges; the enrollment of students ages 25 and older rose by 13 percent between 1997 and 2007. NCES (2009) reported that from 2006 to 2017, there will be a continual increase in enrollment to nearly 20 percent for this age group (Bonner et al., 2015; Kenner Weinerman, 2011; Ross-Gordon, 2011). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) there are 162.3 million people in the United States and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning claimsRead MoreStatistical Differences in Anxiety Essay1320 Words   |  6 Pagesscore (Funk, 2009). These results are difficult to believe given Funks previous research and mention about the majority of adults returning to having such high level of math anxiety upon returning to higher education (Funk, 2009). However, the reason for the scores results from how the results were contrived. The me an is an average of the five common anxieties found in the adult learner (Russel, 2012). The results from the questionnaire are added then divided by the number of students that respondedRead MoreAdult Learning Theory Paper (Alt)1229 Words   |  5 PagesAdult Learning Theory Paper Summary This paper is about adult learning theories. The learning theory andragogy was discussed in detail. Also, the author talked about how people structure their own learning theories. What typical views and reports for adult learning were conversed there were also views and discussions from the view of adult learner. Article stated the pressure and concerns of students who go back to school as an adult years later in comparison to going straight out of high schoolRead MoreShould College Be A Social Worker?967 Words   |  4 Pages Clark Gable stated â€Å"You won’t be doing any worse with an education; you might do a lot better.† Other than ensuring a higher salary, why do people go to college? They go to college to prepare themselves for the learning skills needed to succeed today and tomorrow in this changing world. According to The National Center for Education of Statistics, enrollment in a degree- granting institution has increased by 15 percent, between 2002 and 2012; enrollment increased 24 percent from 16.6 million to

Increasing Impact of E-Marketing Organizational Consumers

Question: Discuss about the Increasing Impact of E-Marketing for Organizational Consumers. Answer: Introduction: With the increasing mass reach of internet and its impact on consumers, every organization is seeking e-marketing as a tool for their advertisement and marketing purpose. We get encountered with e-marketing of almost every product and services available in the market. Reading Boone and Kurtz, (2013), the idea has been cleared that there is a great opportunity of getting fruitful result and the higher chances of targeting the right consumers by the means of proper e-marketing. The aim of the report is to understand the implication of e-marketing on the prospected consumers and to evaluate the impact of online marketing in the recent time. There has been increasing numbers of issues related to the e-marketing that many big and small companies are facing. As commented by Turban, Strauss and Lai, (2015), there has been a lot of misinformation that is communicated to the prospected consumers by the means of e-marketing. In order to make a clear approach of the process of e-marketing, the marketing strategy of American Express, a financial company will be used as a case study for the report. E-marketing of American Express: As one of the leading and established card providers, the financial company has always created innovative marketing campaigns to drive its business. AMEX has understood the importance of e-marketing and has made considerable approaches target the specific group of customers. The company is highly active in e-marketing and carries out all kind of online marketing that includes sending personal mail or text messages, online marketing using the various social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter (Rollins, Nickell Ennis, 2014). In fact, the company knows the exact way to target the prospected consumers and always flow with the current issues that remains in the limelight. One of the most relevant marketing strategies undertaken by the company is the online conversation. The company believes in the fact that far from being all talk and no game, the marketing policy of the company has always been leveraged and the company has tried to involve the consumers in the marketing activitie s. The company has launched an Open Forum website where the prospected customers can share their business knowledge and skills (Rollins, Nickell Ennis, 2014). This approach of the company has created a positive impact on the business and marketing of this International brand. American Express has been utilizing the concept of e-marketing not only for the advertisement purpose but to get proper feedback from the clients as well. In the view point of Alshurideh, Shaltoni and Hijawi, (2014), the online marketing strategy undertaken by AMEX has helped it to gather the target group of people. With the help of online questionnaire survey, the company has been successful to get proper response from the clients. With this approach the company has been successful in gathering more consumers. Relevant issues of the e-marketing: E-marketing has been gaining much importance in the recent time. The mass approach of the same marketing process has created a number of legal and ethical issues as well. Some of the issues can be discussed here: Privacy and data collection: It might seem that the data collection method by the mean of e-marketing is very simple but it is far complex than it seems. The privacy policies notify people about the sharing of their information to others (Kloss Sallot, 2015). The other online stores can get benefitted from the information collected from the consumers. It cannot be denied that AMEX has a strict legal control over the privacy of the information that the consumers share at their website. However, the presence of internet cookies and other issues sometimes hinders the privacy of customers. Security and cloud storage: Although the companies claim that they shall protect the data and will have potential security regarding the information, there always remain potential threats regarding the issue of the customers information (Ng, 2013). This could be one of the major issues that many participants might find reluctant to input their information in spite of having a certain level of willingness. Issues related to intellectual properties: Another legal issue that the companies face with respect to the information is the intellectual property like trademarks and copyright (Ng, 2013). Use of original marketing language in the website of a particular company creates a negative impact on the marketing approach made the companies to target the consumers. Advertising: The websites of the organizations also mislead people by false advertisements and other misleading marketing messages that unfairly affect the consumers behavior and decision making ability. It does not fall on the responsibility or look out of the companys website to keep a watch on other companies that might pop up with their advertisements (Kloss Sallot, 2015). However, using the internet for unfair means is not something that cannot be done. On the other hand, such instances are quiet evident at a regular basis at majority of e-marketing websites. Performance of the company: AMEX has always established an image of loyalty among its customers and the marketing carried on by the Company is also focused to target the consumers of the company. In order to increase its e-marketing, the company has even hired the Federated Media for bloggers. It has been found that the OPEN FORUM concept of the company was rather to make relationship with the consumers and take useful feedback from them rather than using the platform as a marketing tool (Rollins, Nickell Ennis, 2014). The Company has mainly targeted the businessmen as they are the main consumers of the company because they are credit the main credit card keepers. AMEX has rightly established itself as a brand in the market and has forced the consumers to think about the brand as an important industry in the market. The Company has been successful in gaining proper feedback and contact with people in a different way rather than annoying them by visiting them in their inbox. It has to be mentioned in this respect that the marketing practice conducted by the company has never used it for any kind of illegal activities and has always kept focus towards making the service better for the consumers. It has been observed that by this epic means of marketing, AMEX has been able to communicate with the people who could be considered as a prospected consumer (Alshurideh, Shaltoni Hijawi, 2014). Participation of a large number of audiences shows the success of the e-marketing approach made by the company. Recommendations for better marketing: The key to a successful marketing is to understand the precise areas where the marketing can be extremely successful. It is also important to understand the real motive of the marketing. In order to get better result of the marketing, certain recommendations can be made. These are: Defining specific goals to achieve the target: The primary thing is to acknowledge the target people and set the marketing aim to target this specific group of people. It has to be understood that every internet user is not the target consumer and therefore, the e-marketing must focus to target the particular group of people that shall be beneficial for the Company. Inclusion of real facts and figures: In order to make the marketing strategies more convincing, the facts and figures of the companys success or other financial data has to be included. This helps to increase the authenticity of the company towards the target group of people. If people are aware of the current position and the future prospects of the Company, the targeted people could be easily convinced towards their marketing objectives. Committing to the time scale: It is again recommended to be very active in the website and the committed to the timeliness of the activities that shall attract more consumers towards the company. If the marketing is not done keeping the time scale into consideration, it might not be effective upon the target group of people because up-to-date information is vital for a financial company like American Express. Conclusion: With the detail analysis of the e-marketing approach undertaken by the company, it can be said that the company has been successful in its approach towards gathering more customers and at the same time fulfill some of the important objective of the organization. With my personal experience, it can be said that AMEX had been utilizing the e-platform quite well and their marketing approach has resulted in the participation of many consumers. In fact, the company keeps on updating with their recent business plans and other offers that they have to make towards their customers. In addition to this, it has to be mentioned that AMEX has been successful in gaining trust and confidence of its consumers. The transparency in the OPEN FORUM discussion has increased their acceptance among the consumers. However, the issues of e-marketing cannot be neglected and it is expected that privacy and security of the e-marketing functionality shall be kept into consideration in order to improve the perfo rmance and target the prospected consumers rightly. Reference list: Alshurideh, M. T., Shaltoni, A. M., Hijawi, D. A. S. (2014). Marketing Communications Role in Shaping Consumer Awareness of Cause-Related Marketing Campaigns.International Journal of Marketing Studies,6(2), 163. Boone, L. E., Kurtz, D. L. (2013).Contemporary marketing. Cengage learning. Rollins, M., Nickell, D., Ennis, J. (2014). The impact of economic downturns on marketing.Journal of Business Research,67(1), 2727-2731. Kloss, M. V., Sallot, L. M. (2015, March). Corporate Stewardship in Public Relations Here and L and/e Aqui e There: How Top Companies in the US and Brazil Use Their Websites to Build and Maintain Relationships. In18th International Public Relations Research Conference(p. 262). Ng, C. S. P. (2013, June). Factors Affecting the Business Performance of Firms Utilizing Social Media. InPACIS(p. 237). Turban, E., Strauss, J., Lai, L. (2015).Social Commerce: Marketing, Technology and Management. Springer.

Chemical Bonding Essay Example

Chemical Bonding Paper Chemical compounds are formed by the joining of two or more atoms. A stable compound occurs when the total energy of the combination has lower energy than the separated atoms. The bound state implies a net attractive force between the atoms a chemical bond. The two extreme cases of chemical bonds are: Covalent bond: bond in which one or more pairs of electrons are shared by two atoms. Ionic bond: bond in which one or more electrons from one atom are removed and attached to another atom, resulting in positive and negative ions which attract each other.Other types of bonds include metallic bonds and hydrogen bonding. The attractive forces between molecules in a liquid can be characterized as van der Waals bonds. What is an Ionic Bond? An ionic bond is a type of chemical bond formed through an electrostatic attraction between two oppositely charged ions. Ionic bonds are formed due to the attraction between an atom that has lost one or more electron (known as a cation) and an atom that has gained one or more electrons (known as an anion). Usually, the cation is a metal atom and the anion is a non-metal atom.It is important to recognize that pure ionic bonding in which one atom steals an electron from another cannot exist: all ionic compounds have some degree of covalent bonding, or electron sharing. Thus, the term ionic bond is given to a bond in which the ionic character is greater than the covalent character that is, a bond in which a large electronegativity difference exists between the two atoms, causing the bond to be more polar (ionic) than other forms of covalent bonding where electrons are shared more equally. Bonds with partially ionic and partially covalent character are called polar covalent bonds.Nevertheless, ionic bonding is considered to be a form of no covalent bonding. Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or in solution, but not as a solid. They generally have a high melting point and tend to be soluble in water. Ionic  Bonding   is observed because metals have few electrons in its outer-most orbital. By losing those electrons, these metals can achieve noble-gas configuration and satisfy the octet rule. Similarly, nonmetals that have close to 8 electrons in its valence shell tend to readily accept electrons to achieve its noble gas configuration.In  ionic  bonding, more than 1 electron can be donated or received to satisfy the octet rule. The charge on the anion and cation corresponds to the number of electrons donated or recieved. In  ionic  bonds, the net charge of the compound must be zero. This sodium molecule donates the lone electron in its valence orbital in order to achieve octet configuration. This creates a positively charged cation due to the loss of electron. This Chlorine molecule receives one electron to achieve its octet configuration. This creates a negatively charged anion due to the addition of one electron.The predicted overall energy of the  ionic  bonding process, which inclu des the ionization energy of the metal and electron affinity of the non-metal, is usually positive, indicating that the reaction is endothermic and unfavorable. However,  this reaction is highly favorable because of their electrostatic attraction. At the most ideal inter-atomic distance, attraction between these particles releases enough energy to facilitate the reaction. Most  ionic  compounds tend to dissociate in polar solvents because they are  often polar. This phenomenon is due to the opposite charges on each ions.Examples: In this example, the Sodium  molecule is donating its 1 valence electron to the Chlorine molecule. This creates a Sodium cation and a Chlorine anion. Notice that the net charge of the compound is 0. In this example, the Magnesium molecule is donating both of its valence electrons to Chlorine molecules. Each Chlorine molecule can only accept 1 electron before it can achieve  its noble gas configuration; therefore, 2 molecules of Chlorine is requi red to accept the 2 electrons donated by the Magnesium. Notice that the net charge of the compound is 0. StructureIonic compounds in the solid state form lattice structures. The two principal factors in determining the form of the lattice are the relative charges of the ions and their relative sizes. Some structures are adopted by a number of compounds; for example, the structure of the rock salt sodium chloride is also adopted by many alkali halides, and binary oxides such as MgO. Bond Strength For a solid crystalline ionic compound the enthalpy change in forming the solid from gaseous ions is termed the lattice energy. The experimental value for the lattice energy can be determined using the Born-Haber cycle.It can also be calculated using the Born-Lande equation as the sum of the electrostatic potential energy, calculated by summing interactions between cations and anions, and a short range repulsive potential energy term. The electrostatic potential can be expressed in terms of the inter-ionic separation and a constant (Madelung constant) that takes account of the geometry of the crystal. The Born-Lande equation gives a reasonable fit to the lattice energy of e. g. sodium chloride where the calculated value is ? 756 kJ/mol which compares to ? 87 kJ/mol using the Born-Haber cycle. Polarization Effects Ions in crystal lattices of purely ionic compounds are spherical; however, if the positive ion is small and/or highly charged, it will distort the electron cloud of the negative ion, an effect summarised in Fajans rules. This polarization of the negative ion leads to a build-up of extra charge density between the two nuclei, i. e. , to partial covalency. Larger negative ions are more easily polarized, but the effect is usually only important when positive ions with charges of 3+ (e. . , Al3+) are involved. However, 2+ ions (Be2+) or even 1+ (Li+) show some polarizing power because their sizes are so small (e. g. , LiI is ionic but has some covalent bonding pre sent). Note that this is not the ionic polarization effect which refers to displacement of ions in the lattice due to the application of an electric field. Comparison with covalent bonds In an ionic bond, the atoms are bound by attraction of opposite ions, whereas, in a covalent bond, atoms are bound by sharing electrons to attain stable electron configurations.In covalent bonding, the molecular geometry around each atom is determined by Valence shell electron pair repulsion VSEPR rules, whereas, in ionic materials, the geometry follows maximum packing rules. Purely ionic bonds cannot exist, as the proximity of the entities involved in the bond allows some degree of sharing electron density between them. Therefore, all ionic bonds have some covalent character. Thus, an ionic bond is considered a bond where the ionic character is greater than the covalent character. The larger the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms involved in the bond, the more ionic (polar) the b ond is.Bonds with partially ionic and partially covalent character are called polar covalent bonds. For example, Na–Cl and Mg–O bonds have a few percent covalency, while Si–O bonds are usually ~50% ionic and ~50% covalent. Electrical Conductivity Ionic compounds, if molten or dissolved, can conduct electricity because the ions in these conditions are free to move and carry electrons between the anode and the cathode. In the solid form, however, they cannot conduct because the electrons are held together too tightly for them to move. However, some ionic compounds can conduct electricity when solid.This is due to migration of the ions themselves under the influence of an electric field. These compounds are known as fast ion conductors. What is a Covalent Bond? Covalent bonding is the sharing of electrons between atoms. This type of bonding occurs between two of the same element or elements close to each other in the periodic table. This bonding occurs primarily be tween non-metals; however, it can also be observed between non-metals and metals as well. When molecules have similar electronegativity, same affinity for electrons, covalent bonds are most likely to occur.Since both atoms have the same affinity for electrons and neither is willing to donate them, they share electrons in order to achieve octet configuration and become more stable. In addition, the ionization energy of the atom is too large and the electron affinity of the atom is too small for  ionic bonding to occur. For example: Carbon doesn’t form  ionic  bonds since it has 4 valence electrons, half of an octet. In order to form  ionic bonds, Carbon molecules must either gain or lose 4 electrons. This is highly unfavourable; therefore, Carbon molecules share their 4 valence electrons through single, double, and triple onds so that each atom can achieve noble gas configurations. Covalent bonds can include interactions of the sigma and pi orbitals; therefore covalent bonds lead to formation of single, double, triple, and quadruple bonds. Example: In this example, a Phosphorous molecule is sharing its 3 unpaired electrons with 3 Chlorine atoms. In the end product, all four of these molecules have 8 valence electrons  and satisfy the octet rule. A covalent bond is the chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.The stable balance of attractive and repulsive forces between atoms when they share electrons is known as covalent bonding. [1] For many molecules, the sharing of electrons allows each atom to attain the equivalent of a full outer shell, corresponding to a stable electronic configuration. Covalent bonding includes many kinds of interactions, including ? -bonding, ? -bonding, metal-to-metal bonding, agnostic interactions, and three-centre two-electron bonds. [2][3] The term covalent bond dates from 1939. [4] The prefix co- means jointly, associated in action, partnered to a lesser degree, etc. thus a co-valent bond, in essence, means that the atoms share valence, such as is discussed in valence bond theory. In the molecule H2, the hydrogen atoms share the two electrons via covalent bonding. [5] Covalency is greatest between atoms of similar electronegativity’s. Thus, covalent bonding does not necessarily require the two atoms be of the same elements, only that they be of comparable electronegativity. Covalent bonding which entails sharing of electrons over more than two atoms is said to be delocalized. Physical properties of covalent compounds (polar and non-polar) Physical properties| Covalent compounds|States (at room temperature)| Solid, liquid, gas| Electrical conductivity| Usually none| Boiling point and Melting point| Varies, but usually lower than ionic compounds| Solubility in water| Varies, but usually lower than ionic compounds| Thermal conductivity| Usually low| Subdivision of covalent bonds There are three types of covalent substances: individual molecules, molecular st ructures, and macromolecular structures. Individual molecules have strong bonds that hold the atoms together, but there are negligible forces of attraction between molecules.Such covalent substances are gases. For example, HCl, SO2, CO2, and CH4. In molecular structures, there are weak forces of attraction. Such covalent substances are low-boiling-temperature liquids (such as ethanol), and low-melting-temperature solids (such as iodine and solid CO2). Macromolecular structures have large numbers of atoms linked in chains or sheets (such as graphite), or in 3-dimensional structures (such as diamond and quartz). These substances have high melting and boiling points, are frequently brittle, and tend to have high electrical resistivity.Elements that have high electronegativity, and the ability to form three or four electron pair bonds, often form such large macromolecular structures. Only when two atoms of the same element form a covalent bond are the shared electrons actually shared eq ually between the atoms. When atoms of different elements share electrons through covalent bonding, the electron will be drawn more toward the atom with the higher electronegativity resulting in a polar covalent bond. When compared to ionic compounds, covalent compounds usually have a lower melting and boiling point, and have less of a tendency to dissolve in water.Covalent compounds can be in a gas, liquid, or solid state and do not conduct electricity or heat well. The types of covalent bonds can be distinguished by looking at the Lewis dot structure of the molecule. For each molecule, there are different names for pairs of electrons, depending if it is shared or not. A pair of electrons that is shared between two atoms is called a bond pair. A pair of electrons that is not shared between two atoms is called a lone pair. Octet Rule The Octet Rule requires all atoms in a molecule to have 8 valence electronseither by sharing, losing or gaining electronsto become stable.For Covalent bonds, atoms tend to share their electrons with each other to satisfy the Octet Rule. It requires 8 electrons because that is the amount of electrons needed to fill a s- and p- orbital (electron configuration); also known as a noble gas configuration. Each atom wants to become as stable as the noble gases that have their outer valence shell filled because noble gases have a charge of 0. Although it is important to remember the magic number, 8, note that there are many Octet rule exceptions. Example: The bonding in  carbon dioxide  (CO2): all atoms are surrounded by 8 electrons, fulfilling the  octet rule.Single Bond A single bond is when two electronsone pair of electronsare shared between two atoms. It is depicted by a single line between the two atoms. Although this form of bond is weaker and has a smaller density than a double bond and a triple bond, it is the most stable because it has a lower level of reactivity meaning less vulnerability in losing electrons to atoms that want to steal electrons. Double Bond A Double bond is when two atoms share two pairs of electrons with each other. It is depicted by two horizontal lines between two atoms in a molecule.This type of bond is much stronger than a single bond, but less stable; this is due to its greater amount of reactivity compared to a single bond. Triple Bond A Triple bond is when three pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms in a molecule. It is the least stable out of the three general types of covalent bonds. It is very vulnerable to electron thieves! Polar covalent bond A Polar Covalent Bond is created when the shared electrons between atoms are not equally shared. This occurs when one atom has a higher electronegativity than the atom it is sharing with.The atom with the higher electronegativity will have a stronger pull for electrons (Similar to a Tug-O-War game, whoever is stronger usually wins). As a result, the shared electrons will be closer to the atom with the higher electronegat ivity, making it unequally shared. A polar covalent bond will result in the molecule having a slightly positive side (the side containing the atom with a lower electronegativity) and a slightly negative side (containing the atom with the higher electronegativity) because the shared electrons will be displaced toward the atom with the higher electronegativity.As a result of polar covalent bonds, the covalent compound that forms will have an electrostatic potential. This potential will make the resulting molecule slightly polar, allowing it to form weak bonds with other polar molecules. One example of molecules forming weak bonds with each other as a result of an unbalanced electrostatic potential is hydrogen bonding, where a hydrogen atom will interact with an electronegative hydrogen, fluorine, or oxygen atom from another molecule or chemical group.Non polar covalent bond A Nonpolar Covalent Bond is created when atoms share their electrons equally. This usually occurs when two atoms have similar or the same electron affinity. The closer the values of their electron affinity, the stronger the attraction. This occurs in gas molecules; also known as diatomic elements. Nonpolar covalent bonds have a similar concept as polar covalent bonds; the atom with the higher electronegativity will draw away the electron from the weaker one.Since this statement is trueif we apply this to our diatomic moleculesall the atoms will have the same electronegativity since they are the same kind of element; thus, the electronegativity will cancel each other out and will have a charge of 0(A. K. A. Nonpolar covalent bond). Bonding in Organic Chemistry Ionic and Covalent bonds are the two extremes of bonding. Polar covalent is the intermediate type of bonding between the two extremes. Some ionic bonds contain covalent characteristics and some covalent bonds are partially ionic. For example, most Carbon-based compounds are covalently bonded but can also be partially ionic.Polarity is a measure of the separation of charge in a compound. A compounds polarity is dependent on the symmetry of the compound as well as differences in electronegativity between atoms. Polarity occurs when the electron pushing elements, left side of the periodic table, exchanges electrons with the electron pulling elements, right side of the period table. This creates a spectrum of polarity, with ionic(polar) at one extreme, covalent(nonpolar) at another, and polar covalent in the middle. Both of these bonds are important in Organic Chemistry.Ionic bonds are important because they allow the synthesis of specific organic compounds. Scientists can manipulate ionic properties and these interactions in order to form products they desire. Covalent bonds are especially important since most carbon molecules interact primarily through covalent bonding. Covalent bonding allows molecules to share electrons with other molecules, creating long chains of compounds and allowing more complexity in life. AS SIGNMENT IN CHEM LEC 1 * Ionic bond * Covalent bond Submitted to: Dr. Juliet Salgados Submitted by: Russhel Aira Dolauta

Christianity Essays (507 words) - Monotheistic Religions

Christianity Christianity is one of the most widely practiced religions in the world today. It is based around the belief of one supreme ruler, God. The main guide that Christians base their life around is a book called the bible which is a collection of books collected over 1000's of years. World wide it has around 2 Billion believers *. Its largest groups are the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the Protestant churches; in addition to these churches there are several independent churches of Eastern Christianity as well as numerous sects throughout the world. The main and most important belief in Christianity is the belief in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Christians also believe that when you die the soul, depending on whether you have committed yourself to God or not goes to Heaven or Hell. Christians also believe in the Bible and try to run their life as the bible tells them too. This specifically means following the Ten Commandments. The common practices in Christianity are based around the laws of the Ten Commandments. Most Christians also go to church on Sunday or attend a youth group of some sort. Christians are also usually heavily involved in charities, and many of the well known charities around, such as the Salvation Army are Christian organizations. Christians also believe in preaching the word of God to their friends, family and neighbors. They also believe in the importance of prayer and pray regularly. For Christians, holidays such as Easter and Christmas have special meaning; they celebrate the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is on these days that nearly all Christians attend church or a mass of some sort. Depending on what denominations they have there are extra functions during the week, which Christians take part in, such as confession for Catholics and door knocking and the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses go door-knocking to preach the word of God. The main reason why I think people are attracted to Christianity is it is because it gives the people something to believe in something to strive for. Also I think a lot of people are introduced to this religion though schools or a youth group and they found something that appeals to them in it. Also it may be because Christianity doesn't discriminate against anyone, which is unlike many religions such as Islam. People may also become Christian because they have been brought up in a Christian family. Christianity also appeals to many people who are homeless or less fortunate than others because of the promise of a better life after death. Many people argue about proof of Christianity. Most peoples believe that the world is too good to be created just by chance and because of this they believe that there must be a supreme been responsible for our being. Many people also regard the Bible as being proof of Christianity, especially the New Testament. If 2 billion people follow Christianity there must be something in it that draws so many people. Whether it is the promise of eternal life or that anyone can become a Christian, or the fact that you belong to something Christianity is one of the largest religions in the world today and is still growing.

Zimbabwe Country Analysis essays

Zimbabwe Country Analysis essays I. Brief discussion of history- The United Kingdom annexed Rhodesia (later changed to Zimbabwe) from the South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated to keep the white race in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the United Kingdom did not recognize the act and demanded voting rights for the black African majority in the country. United Nations sanctions and a revolutionary uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert Mugabe, the nation's first prime minister, has been the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated the country's political system since independence. A. Location- In Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia.2 B. Climate- It is tropical yet moderated by altitude. The rainy season Is from November to March. The seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere, with midsummer at Christmas and winter lasting from May to August. In winter, the days are generally dry and sunny with cold frosty nights. In summer, temperatures average 15 - 20 degrees centigrade, with October being the hottest month. In low-lying areas, it is much warmer all year than in the capital, which is named Harare. 2 C. Topography- Zimbabwe is 391,090 square kilometers or 150,961 square miles. The borders with Republic of Zimbabwe are Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, and South Africa. The capital is Harare and major towns are Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare. An outstanding feature of Zimbabwe's natural heritage is its diversity and variety. Few African nations can boast such a wide range of territory. The country is bound to the north by the Zambezi River, which has been dammed at Kariba to form an enormous fresh water lake. Further upstream are the Victoria Falls, the largest curtain of falling water anywhere in the world. Bordering Mozambique to the east is a range of mountains reaching 2, 600 met...

The nature of communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The nature of communication - Essay Example The manager’s complaint was that the area was not cleaned to her liking in the allotted time. She was accurate in her assessment, but because of mitigating circumstances, including an extensive influx of customers late in the evening, and minimal help from co-workers who had left earlier, she mis-communicated the blame. While elements of her criticism were effective, a great deal of it was misdirected as it was founded on erroneous assumptions. It fell short in that it didn’t leave room for a dialogue to occur that could create a constructive solution. Instead, the observations were relayed in a way that spoke to the necessarily limited perspective of one individual. For work place communication to be effective, open communication among workers within the organization must be promoted. Without this collaborative environment, the workplace becomes dry and monotonous and the creativity necessary for beneficial improvements is squashed. I believe effective communicators embody a number of positive traits that emerge when they relate to fellow human beings. In the situation at my work, communication did not occur because there was not an open dialogue occurring between the two individuals, but a one sided lecture. Effective communicators must take an interest in the people they communicate with, as nobody wants to listen to someone who isn’t engaged in the conversation. It’s important they look at the person’s eyes as it indicates that you are intent and engaged in the conversation. They speak clearly and directly, using language suitable for the conversation. While situations and types of language will differ greatly, effective communicators have a way of speaking that goes beyond merely giving a speech. They are able to strategically and competently relate to the individual and adapt the conversation to better convey the message they are attempting to impart. In not opening the

World of Work Silver - Organisational Awareness Coursework

World of Work Silver - Organisational Awareness - Coursework Example 8). Today, Jaguar cars are designed by Jaguar Land Rover engineering center in Coventry, at the Whitney plant. The cars are then manufactured in Birmingham at Castle Bromwich assembly plant. Other manufacturing takes place at the Solihull plant (Salama, 2012, p. 10). Jaguar Land Rover is the largest automotive manufacturing business in the United Kingdom. The business is built around two main British car brands. These brands are Land Rover and Jaguar. Land Rover leads on the line of manufacturing premium all-wheel drive cars. For Jaguar, it is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premier sports cars marques and luxury sports saloon cars. Jaguar Land Rover has greatly transformed the business under the ownership of Tata Motors Limited. It has transformed the business in order to achieve the full ability of its classy brands and realize profitable results. What drives this business is a world-class comprising of about 26,000 people worldwide. In addition, the business supports more 190,000 jobs in the United Kingdom through dealer network, supply chain and a wider economy (Denton, 2012, p. 18). All cars produced by this company are designed and engineered in the United Kingdom. Even though the business has plans of expanding globally, the business’ heart remains in the United Kingdom. The business has invested billions of pounds in research, development facilities and its state of the art production. In fact, in the manufacturing sector, Jaguar Land Rover has made the highest investment in R&D. It therefore means it is ahead of Rolls-Royce and British Aerospace. With this kind of investment, along with the on-going efforts to encourage local communities encourage people seek jobs related to engineering; the business has been awarded as the responsible business of the year. Jaguar Land Rover takes great pride in this recognition and more so the award. Jaguar Land Rover has greatly benefited from its international expansion. This company has a

Information Systems Development Philosophies and Methodologies, and Essay

Information Systems Development Philosophies and Methodologies, and System Analysis - Essay Example The data is then made accessible to the doctors and the nurses and then they have the power to sort the system at the will or in accordance to the hospitals guidelines or according to emergency disasters (Lakha and Moore, 34; Turegano and Perez-Diaz, 441). The updated information is what is fed back into the original triage and made available for patients to watch on a live monitor. As more patients get into the hospital and are registered, many more will tend to have more severe cases and thus, depending on the mode of selection by the doctors to determine who should be served first, there are patients who will feel neglected. This will tend to resume the past squabbles as outlined by the previous system. The system development process is thus fairer in that the problems trying to be rooted out are partly done. To avert the problem noted in the profile, it is essential that assessment that is more practical be done in terms of the CATWOE checklist. According to Checkland and Scholes (23), in their soft systems methodology, they propose solutions, advising on CATWOE to problems that have no definitive approach. Using the analysis, it will hence be possible to tell out the possible remedies to the problems and proposed solutions. According to Wilson (1) proper judgments will depend on the

Health Policy Regarding To Smoking Health And Social Care Essay

Health Policy Regarding To Smoking Health And Social Care Essay This essay will demonstrate the government health policies regarding to smoking including with changes in health care field from the development of NHS with current scenario. It is important to know what is policy. Policy is a collection of different ideas and methods which is used for the improvement in any field including health care and on the other hand, health policy is a practical device, or advantageous procedure and political course of action [ Hennessy, D. Spurgeon, P., 2000]. Health policies may be explained as the strategies methods adopted as being advantageous, measure to provide within the recourses available from health systems that, at least maintain and preferably improves health. As time is changed there is changed in people thinking, behavior and their lifestyle due to this reason the consumption of cigarette smoking in society is increased from last few decades. Smoking has been recognized as one of the most considerable causes of avoidable death and disease. Smoking alone is the supreme cause of preventable illness and premature death in UK and smoking is responsible for 23 Percent in males and 12 Percent in female deaths. There is more than 106,500 deaths are due to cigarette smoking (Wilkinson S. et al, 2004). Smoking is defined as the inhalation and exhalation of smoke from flaming tobacco in cigarettes, cigars and pipes etc. Historically smoking put into practice, was followed by inhabitants of western hemisphere, in spiritual rituals and for therapeutic purposes. Smoking has a history preliminary from the late 1500s.Cigarette smoking is a serious health hazard. Tobacco contains nicotine a toxic substance named alkaloid -and some others dangerous stuff like carbon monoxide, prussic acid, and ammonia etc which are very harmful for the health. The current scenario of smoking in England have fallen from 28 percent in 1998 to 25 percent in 2003-means approximately 1.2 million smaller numbers of smokers (Department of health,2003). Due to smoking , one in five deaths held in UK and smokers lose, Tobacco smoke can causes the 90 percent of lung cancer then non smokers(Peterson and Peto,2004) [Neubeck, L., 2006]. It is anticipated that about 120,000 young men who aged between 30 and 50 years in the United kingdom are impotent as a consequence of smoking [British Medical Association(BMA)] , 2004]. The main aim and purposes for choosing this topic is to study smoking policy in united kingdom and to improve knowledge about current health policies on local level or at national level and to see the statistical data of smoking cessation and what are the government policies regarding the smoking cessation in the society for different age groups and to discuss the need, origination and operation of policies in health care. To develop the understanding about health care system in the United Kingdom and to improve knowledge about NHS as an organization and its role and policies in health care system. Smoking is considered very dangerous for health not only for an individual but for the nation also because many billion pounds every year spend by NHS for prevention. Smoking is a causing factor of many diseases which is related to our health and environment directly or indirectly such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart diseases lifestyle related problems and behavioral problems. Due to smoking, people become habitual and then it is hard to come out from this situation or if a person suddenly quit then it gives some harmful effect to our body. Smoking affects the person and it effects others through second hand smoking and passive smoking. if a pregnant women involves in any kind of smoking during pregnancy then, this is not only harmful to her but also to her baby too and the results are baby deliver with some congenital anomalies. In the UK (Department of health, 1998) illustrates that, approximately 23% in 1995 and 15% in 2009 babies were born with disabilities who were delivered from smoker mothers. So the government introduced new health policy on smoking ,Choosing health (Department of Health, 2007) introduced the smoke free public policy which says that no is allowed to do smoking in public place such as malls, buses and railway station etc.. This policy included with, to regulate the way of smoking is portrayed on television and on advertisement in newspapers and mark health warning notice on tobacco products. There are some causing factors which enhance or encourage youth to involve in smoking such as now a days it shows as a symbol of prestige and personality which effects the youth and children. Specially children are more prone to be affected by smoking directly or indirectly because they learn from elders and they are more curious to learn and try everything and on health effect their lungs are smal l compare to adults and their immunity is low and they are more prone to get and harmful effect of cigarette smoke. According to human anatomy children breaths faster than the adults and hence they inhale more toxins and harmful chemicals as compare to adults. Smoking can cause many diseases it affects the respiratory system and can lead to diseases like cancer, bronchitis etc. .It also causes the headache and poor circulation, bad breath and stomach cancer and cancer of the pancreas ( Peterson and Peto,2004).According to Department of health (2005) in the general adult population for 2001 still shows that approximately 28 percent of men and 25 percent of women smoke (Department of health 2005). There are some other effects of smoking cessation like restlessness, waking up at night, increased appetite, Depression, Mouth ulcers and cancers, with poor concentration on work (smoking and health, 2005). There are some other risk factors associated with the second-hand smoking. In adults it causes coughing, feeling sick and breathing problems and in babies and children much higher rate of cot death as compared to the children of non smokers. Higher chances of ear infection, complaints of coughs, sneezing and cold and flu (Source Jamrozik, 2005). Nowadays due to change in the disease pattern people are thinking about their health .They want to have smoking policies which reduces the rate of smoking. Thinking of people Behavior and life style is changed. The disease rate of lung cancer, cardiovascular system and respiratory problems are increased due to smoking. In UK 12000 people are die in every year due to second-hand smoke (Jamerozik, 2005). In addition to this, smoking affects in a loss of productivity among workers, and ill health. A smoke free policy needs to be practical and impartial. Second-hand smoke is of two types: Main stream and Side stream smoke. The Residential and Commercial Services (RCS) introduce that all public places including residential areas, offices areas will be smoke free. This policy comes into progress on Sunday 1st July 2007.Smoking Is prohibited in all enclosed premises i.e. university buildings, covered walk ways. This policy applies to all university employees, students, residents and visitors etc. NHS Direct has a duty to promote and maintain the health of the community. It extends to the work environment, and thus help in promotion of general well being of all people. The NHS Direct policies not worried with people who smoke but with where they smoke and to prevent effects of smoking on visitors, and non smoking colleagues. It is also alarmed with the presence of carcinogenic substances in the vicinity of NHS Direct sites. From 1st July 2007, practically all enclosed places including work places in England will become smoke free, which will make sure a better and healthy environment, so that everyone can relax, travel and work free from second-hand smoke ( NHS Direct,2008 ).According to this policy smoking is prohibited in all working areas, such as centers and offices surroundings at all times, it will also includes after working hours periods and shifts as well as evenings and weekends and will also in the following ordinary areas: meeting Room, kitchen areas, Store Room reception Areas. According to Health and Safety at work etc Act, 1974). In UK the Department of Health (NHS Direct, 2008) has taken achievement to increase the general awareness of the risks concerned with the second-hand smoke through the following: countries first ever multimedia and education campaign. Funding to facilitate smoke free cities network and to help cities move towards smoke free on a voluntary basis. Almost all 50 percent in UK (there are 60,000 in the UK) and half of the Restaurants Association (10,500 group and individual restaurants). Benefits of Action and Second-Hand smoke: Environment and Economic benefits for society individual and industries includes: The NHS expenditures is reduced through smoking prevalence. The costs from the sickness absence are reduced. It enhances safety benefits (such as reduced fire risks).The cleanliness and maintenance costs are reduced. The Action on smoking and health report relates to strategy of tobacco control for England and recommendations which reflects the current balance and reserved powers in England. By helping smokers to quit, harm of tobacco can be reduced. All health professionals should have the skills to provide basics to stop smoking advice to the persons who smokes including the provision of treatment and referral to specialist stop smoking services. There are medicinal products on the market to help the smoker to quit and they also provide substitutes of Nicotine products. The tobacco control community looks ahead to working with the government in shaping the new strategy and new era in tobacco control. The Department of Health, 2004 has set a further public sector agreement(PSA) targeted as to reduce the rate of smoking to 21 percent or less by 2010( 26 percent in 2002). According to a Report of Smoking in public places on 15th December 2005 was published by the House of Commons Health Committee. They command paper sets out the government response in the report. The aim of government to achieve reduction in smoking frequency through along with combination of policies, which will help 70 percent of smokers who they want to quit. Smoking in pregnant women remains and issue of public health because the women who continued smoking during pregnancy, the infant born were hospitalized for a considerably more number of days (Petrou etal, 2005)[ ]{midwives attitude to smoking and smoking cessation in pregnancy}. The other national services highlights the danger of smoking like National Services Framework for heart diseases, cancer and children, young person and maternity services they highlights of the danger of smoking . The Health Action Zone in England, April 1999 to March 2000. The White paper Smoking Kills announced the new money for setting up the cessation services over a three year period. The NHS smoking cessation services will provide a new move towards help the people who want to quit smoking. They provide specialist and intermediate services. In specialist smoking cessation services they provide intensive treatment, usually clinics, run by smoking cessation specialists, usually in form of group over the course period of 5-6 weeks. It also includes Nicotine Replacement Therapy. In intermediate services provided by the other health practitioners who have taken some kind of recognized training usually they provided on a one to one basis, their services also include Nicotine Replacement Therapy. The new evidences has made by committee in 2004 , which has based on the report of Scientific Committee On Tobacco and Health [SCOTH],1998.They pay attention to the new organization between the secondhand smoke and lung disease. They have published their latest report from SCOTH was along with the Choosing Health White Paper.[Department of Health,2009]. The carpool vehicles should need to display the No smoking signs (NHS, smoking in workplace.2009). The cost effectiveness for government like NHS cost in overall smoking is estimated approximately 1.5 billion pounds a year. This cost will be reduced by decreasing the rate of smoking, about 1.7 percentage rate of smoking is reduced from 25 percent, then it means that about 100 million pounds are saved annually( ). The development of a smoke-free policy needs to be a practical and impartial. These policies are created to give staff guidance, patient and visitor clear guidance on what is acceptable. The government policy for smoking in the work places is that to reduced passive smoking all employers have to provide designated smoking areas outside the organization (Department of Health, 2009). Nowadays, the lifestyle of people has been changed the smoking rate is increased in both men and women. Parents smoke in front of their children this leads to affects the children because the children are more curious to learn and they want to trial and experiment of smoking in their peer groups. In pubs and discos youth enjoying their parties with wine, alcohol and smoking. They start due to their peer pressure and thereafter they become habitual of smoking. People spend most of times outside from their homes and they live alone so they start drinking alcohol and smoking to reduce their boredom and tensions. Due to this kind of social impact on the people the rate of smoking is increased. Nurses play an significant role for delivering health policies in the society through the use of education program for on individual and to the community. Encourage people to attend workshop for the cessation of smoking provide them support to come out of this .Use the opportunities to explain the relationship between changes in health status and smoking. They assess the smoking status of patients and to give advice all smokers to stop. They assist the people who interested in doing so. Health care practioners offer follow up and refer them to specialist stop smoking services if they required. For heavily addicted smokers who are currently unable or to quit, there is also the possibility of switching to pure Nicotine products (which like the current medicinal products on the market, contain Nicotine only and other tobacco derivates).Smokers are addicted to Nicotine but they are harmed by the tar and toxins in tobacco. Now there is more than ever a need for increased efforts to promot e tobacco education and the intervention amongst nurses in order for them to have the prospective to be credible and successful advisers to patients and the public. The community healths nurses are in very good position interfere with smokers. Many who want to give up smoking do so as a result of the health problem. So the problems in community in those nurses have a significant role to help them and community and community people to quit from this lethal problem. People who are habitual to smoke of if they want to quit from it then and nurses and government have to prepare policies to available to them substitute of smoking for example Nicotine Replacement therapy such as chewing gums. Asses the smokers to and help them to quit the smoking give them proper advice and suggestions and help them to take classes and join workshops to the smoking in the society. Advice them that take proper substitute of smoking instead of taking tobacco instance they may consume nicotine substances or the cigarettes and they also take some medical subanstances to reduce their smoking habit. the community health nurse should health to stop smoking . And there are fa ster acting NRT produce Department of Health, 2000ts available and are being developed in the current scenario. There are more and more treatments are becoming available for smoking cessation. It is a rapidly developing field in the society and there are some others methods like Hypnotherapy is suggested and Acupuncture therapy is beneficial. The care which is offered to the pregnant women would impact on society. In conclusion, many government policies have been implemented in local and national level for the development of people and encourage them to adopt healthy life style and stop smoking although the government gets several incomes from the sale of tobacco products. These policies and recommendations are taken from NHS and the department of health and implemented in the society. The harmful effects of smoking not only affect to the mother but also their baby in the womb and the impact of health care policies in health care system. It starts with the effects on the fetus and carries on throughout childhood.

Chapter 1 Lecture Notes

ECON 1023 Fall 2011 Instructor: Gibson Nene Chapter 1 Lecture Notes: Limits, Alternatives and Choices The economic perspective or economic way of thinking takes the following concepts into consideration: * Scarcity and Choice * Purposeful Behavior * Marginalism: Benefits and Costs Scarcity and Choice Economics is about wants and means: * Society has the resources to make goods and services that satisfy our many desires. * However, our economic wants far exceed the productive capacity of our limited resources – our resources are scarce. Scarcity Definition: means that society has limited resources and therefore cannot produce all the goods and services people want In other words economic resources are scarce and wants are infinite. What is the meaning of scarcity from the consumers’ perspective? * Scarcity refers to limitations in consumption of the goods that are available because of limited income * Consumers have an income constraint. Because resources are scarce when we choose to produce something we simultaneously make the choice to forgo producing something else. * When a good is produced, the resources employed can no longer be used to make another good. We must decide what we will have and what we must forgo. Such sacrifices are referred to as opportunity costs. Opportunity cost Dfn: The value of the good, service or time forgone to obtain something else. When you choose to go to college, you forgo some potential income earnings. So Economics studies the choices made by individuals and societies to utilize sca rce resources to satisfy unlimited wants. Purposeful behavior We make decisions to achieve desired outcomes * We are not always perfect in our choices Human behavior is assumed to reflect rational self-interest Economics assumes that individuals seek to increase or maximize their utility: pleasure, happiness or satisfaction * As consumers we assume you are purposeful in deciding what goods and services to buy. * You want to get the best out of their choices * Business firms are purposeful in deciding what products to produce and how. * Governmental entities are purposeful in deciding what services to provide and how to finance them. * In an nutshell, society seeks to get the best out of every choice. Does rational self-interest mean that individuals are selfish? It turns out that a lot of people help society through charitable donations, expertise without expecting you to pay for the service. Marginalism: Benefits and Costs What is the meaning of Marginal in economics? Marginal means extra, additional a change in. A change from the staus quo. e. g. should I study an extra hour for the exam? Should I buy an extra pair of shoes? Every decision involves marginal benefits (MB) and because of scarce resources, marginal costs (MC). Which choice would make you better off? MB=MC, MB>MC, MB Theories > Laws and principles > Models Economic principles are statements about economic behavior that enable prediction of the probable effects of certain actions. * They serve as tools for ascertaining cause and effect (or action and outcome) within the economic system: * â€Å"Purposeful simplifications† – simplify complex reality * Generalizations – make statements about typical or average consumers, workers, or business firms * Ceteris p aribus (Other things equal) – all variables except those under consideration are held constant * Graphical expression – many models are expressed graphically Microeconomics versus macroeconomics Microeconomics studies individual decision-making units, such as a consumer, a worker, or a business firm. Macroeconomics studies the economy as a whole or it aggregates. The economic problem Individual’s economic problem The economic problem faced by individuals can be summarized using a budget line What is a budget line? Suppose you received a $120 Barnes and noble gift card as a birthday present. The card expires soon, so you want to use everything on the card on books and DVDs. Your Budget here is $120 Two goods, DVDs Price $20 and Books Price $10 First step in constructing a budget line. Construct a table showing the alternative combinations of the two products that are available. Graphing the budget line What do we learn from the budget line? Trade-offs and Opportunity costs Implications of a straight-line budget constraint Choice Limited income forces people to choose what to buy and what to forgo to fulfill wants. What happens to the budget line when your income changes? A reduction or decrease in income: Suppose the gift card has $60 on it and prices do not change. You still want to buy the same two goods, DVDs Price $20 and Books Price $10. The budget line associated with a reduction in income. An Increase in income: Suppose the gift card has $240 on it while prices of DVDs and books remain the same The budget line associated with income increase Society’s economic problem * Economic resources are scarce * What are economic resources? The production possibility model * Assumptions Production possibilities table Lists the different combinations of two products that can be produced with a specific set of resources, assuming full employment. Assume a simple economy producing only Pizza and manufacturing equipment. Type of Production| Production Alternatives| | | | | | | | A| B| C| D| E| | | | | | | Pizza(hundred 000s)Manufacturing equipment ( thousands)| 010| 19| 27| 34| 40| | | | | | | Production possibilities curve The law of increasing opportunity costs A movement from point A to point B: Movement from point B to point C Movement from point C to point D Movement from point D to point E The shape of the curve PPF Example 2 Below is a production possibilities table for consumer goods (automobiles) and capital goods (forklifts): Type of Production| Production Alternatives| | | | | | | | A| B| C| D| E| | | | | | | AutomobilesForklifts| 030| 227| 421| 612| 80| | | | | | | | | | | | | The PPF If the economy is at point C, what is the cost of one more automobile? Of one more forklift? Explain how the production possibilities curve reflects the law of increasing opportunity costs. If the economy characterized by this production possibilities table and curve were producing 3 automobiles and 20 forklifts, what could you conclude about its use of its available resources? What would production at a point outside the production possibilities curve indicate? What must occur before the economy can attain such a level of production? Suppose improvement occurs in the technology of producing forklifts but not in the technology of producing automobiles. Now assume that a technological advance occurs in producing automobiles but not in producing forklifts. Now draw a production possibilities curve that reflects technological improvement in the production of both goods. Optimal allocation of resources Marginal benefit curve The marginal cost curve The intersection of the two MB=MC MB>MC MC>MB PPFs and Unemployment, Growth, and the future Unemployment or underutilization of resources Economic growth Present choices and future possibilities Investment in future goods such as capital goods, research, education, and medicine, promotes economic growth. An economy that invests more in these future goods versus one that invests in current goods. Presentville: more consumption today and less production of future goods Futureville: less consumption today and more production of future goods. Futureville will have a greater production capacity in the future and greater consumption in the future when compared to the one that favors present goods. Which economy made a better choice here?

Alternative Means of Transportation

Guilherme Cesa Academic Writing Sara Rayfield 04/18/2012 Instead of Horns, Voice Today, most of the big cities centralize interests in improving and encouraging the private means of transportation instead of public. Driving a car can be very comfortable and pleasant, but it causes serious problems. Because of this, we all must change our mind about the ways we move daily and find different ways for locomotion. Mobility is a very exciting thing; the feeling of freedom that it gives can be very rewarding.An example of that is the way society found to punish people: we put them in a prison and do not allow them to move for days, months or years. It is evident and natural that everybody needs to move around daily, whether it is to go to work or go to the supermarket. The most popular way of personal transportation in modern society is the car. A car represents much more than just a way of transportation. The idea of having a car these days transcends the basic idea of mobility; an automo bile represents status and wealth while using alternative ways for transport such as bus, train, or bicycle are depreciated by society as being worse.Looking at how society chooses to move within its territory can reveal a lot of things about what type of society it is. Giving priority to cars means not prioritizing the greater good; it is a selfish way of thinking. More cars being driven means more roads and parking lots, fewer public spaces and green areas, more traffic jams, and pollution. On the places that were supposed to have sidewalks, we now see a wide avenue, the park turned into a parking lot. Gradually, the cities are becoming a place adjusted for the cars instead of the dwellers.As many of the problems that vehicles may cause, the most discussed nowadays is the global warming. The air pollution made by cars and fossil fuel dependents increase the moisture level of the air, which causes the greenhouse effects. The pollution forms a layer around the atmosphere that makes the heat be reradiated from the surface to the atmosphere, causing the global warming. However, hope still exists for Planet Earth by the limitation of usage and dependency on fossil fuels.Besides the main problem that cars cause for the environment, cars nowadays are much cleaner than before, the problem is that we have a lot more cars being driven on the streets and polluting the earth. In addition, cars demand a large amount of raw material to be made and they produce a lot of waste. While driving the automobile, it is not only polluting gas that is being produced, it also affects the ground and water when the tires wear out and fluids, such as battery oil and gasoline, spill from the car.Alternative forms of transportation such as walking and bicycling for short distances, and train, subway, trolley, light rail, bus, and car pooling for longer distances may be a good solution to solve a lot of problems. It will not only help in the amount of pollution in the atmosphere but also would bring benefits in other aspects of our lives; we would save money, it would reduce other types of pollution such as water, land and noise, it would give us a better quality of life, we would spend less time in stressful traffic and the cities would become a more pleasant place to live in.Of course it is very difficult to convince people not to use their cars since we have an inexistent public transportation program; no buses, no trains, no bike lanes, and bad sidewalks. Once the authorities start improving the methods of transportation as well as promoting them, people will begin to see the advantages of changing one to another. Studies from the company EMBARQ have shown that cities can reduce up to 30% of the vehicular traffic over the next 3 to 5 years if improving the public transportation.A good example that this improvement can cause big effects in cities is the Los Angeles Metro promotion; their urban transportation system authorities are making an innovating campaign fo r the city. In order to reduce the traffic, clean the air and make their lives less stressful, Los Angeles’ transit authorities start trying to convince people about the benefits of using public transportation. The way they found to do so was improving as much as possible the service quality offered for metro and buses lines, making them cleaner and more comfortable.Then they worked to improve the image of it and get people out of their cars. They made buses appear more attractive with colorful paints and redesigned the metro stations with paint arts and music. At least, they started working on a marketing campaign to convince people to use their services and encouraging Angelinos to leave the car need. Another facet of public mobility that could replace the use of cars is cycling and walking. Better sidewalks and bike lines as well as providing free bikes rentals as many cities in Europe do would attract more people to use these means of transportation.Walking and cycling ca n be a very pleasant way to move from one place to another in short distances and the gains that it causes are numerous. It gives people a slower-pace routine, and using legs to ride a bike or walk is a very good exercise that improves a lot the body and mental health, it is free and can help to save a lot of money in gasoline and transport fares. It is also a pro-environment way of transportation that does not pollute, it helps to make a more attractive and green city where people can interact with others and with the city environment around them.As a conclusion, changing one way of transportation to another is an action that takes long to happen and it takes a lot of effort both from authorities and citizens. However, if it be done, it will bring positive results for the whole society. The cities would become a better place to live, with streets populated by people and not by cars. Work Cited Network, EMBARQ. â€Å"LA Metro: Promoting Mass Transport† Vimeo. 04 January 2010. Web. 19 April 2012. Pawley, Martin. â€Å"The War Against Car† Open Democracy. Globalization Transport. 8 May 2012. Web. 19 April 2012.

History of Country Line Dance essays

History of Country Line Dance essays Queen Elizabeth I of England was responsible for introducing what was then called "country dancing" at court late in the 16th century. Up until then, the style of dancing among royalty in Europe was complicated, requiring extensive instruction, and was limited almost entirely to those who had the affluence and the leisure time to practice the complex footwork. According to dance historian John Millar, while Queen Elizabeth was visiting in Sussex, England during 1591 she "watched her hosts doing country dances with their tenants and servants. From that moment on, country dance appears frequently in the records of entertainment at court." (Great Meadows). From England, country dancing rapidly spread throughout the other Western European nations, and to virtually all their colonies as well. In contrast to the demanding previous styles, country dancing was so easily learned that people in all walks of life adopted it as their most frequent form of public recreation for most of the next two centuries. In the 1800s, a looser American style came to be known by its two main sub-categories, based on the shape of the formations called squares and contras. Contras were formed by 2 long lines of partners that danced opposite each other. The word contra was a minpronuciation by Americans of the contre, which in turn was a French adaptation of the English word country. (Great Meadows) During the 1900s radio was introduced and by the 1940s contra dancing had evolved into a style called the Stroll, revived during the 1970s in a John Travolta film called Grease. During this same decade [1970] line dancing was born. Instead of facing each other partners stood next to each other. The two line of contra and stroll was replaced with one. (Bowen). Many of the original contra and square dances were adapted during t ...

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An organisational case study - Assignment Example Strategic formulation which is a key component of organizational entrepreneurship entails â€Å"the development of business mission, decisions both long term and short term objectives, and prioritizing strategies† (Karami, 2003). Dana (2004) notes that it is associated with deciding which resource is for what and in what amount, the process of entering international market or issues related to mergers with suppliers or sales agencies to diversify operations. Strategic formulation in business thus involves the perception of any strategy formulation process which has marked phases that are time-bound. Focus on Southwest Airlines This paper examines Southwest Airlines using SWOT Analysis in understanding its market penetration and product development strategic frameworks. It also draws the way forward for the airline to remain competitive. Bohm (2008) agrees that SWOT analysis has been used to evaluate and identify a number of areas in project formulation and Southwest is not an exception. The framework is used in mapping out the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Indeed, it is used to formulate strategic plans and crafting solutions to control situations. All these predominantly follow an in-depth analysis of external environmental factors that affect the market and operations of Southwest Airlines (Bohm, 2008). ... outhwest Airlines One such is the organizational structure which focuses on the flow of information and responsiveness to client-related issues (Bohm, 2008). Southwest has often demonstrated quick response to client issues e.g. flight delays. Besides, the organizational organ gram is such that the pecking order is clear therefore the flow of information to those responsible in handling it is promptly facilitated for corrective action (Price, 2007; Mentges & Renga, 2010). Beyond this the strength in communication is further compounded by the fact that Southwest Airlines has an optimally utilized website. It was indeed one of the first airlines to have a fully fledged website to create widespread customer awareness on its services. However, one of the website’s weaknesses is that fares are not clearly outlined to enable customers make informed decisions just by the click of the mouse (Price, 2007). Regardless, it is reported that the airline has the largest pool of website visit s. It is also highly ranked with the best profitability record in the American market. The website also has a magazine that has caught the attention of many thereby bringing with it more customers (West, 2005; Joyner, 2006). In regards to the internet use Hoffman et al. (2001) believes that the company is on the right footing given that this is the information transformation age. The second way of examining internal analysis of strength and weaknesses is by looking into the organization’s planning. Daft (2008), states that the point is to examine the ‘feasible long and short term’ arrangement or map of action concerning for example the human resources. In this regards Southwest Airline is on top of its game. It also plans its flight operations well in advance and appropriately communicates

Bolivia’s Indigenous Political Voice Essay Example for Free

Bolivia’s Indigenous Political Voice Essay The full empowerment of the political voice of the indigenous people of Bolivia is symbolized by the election of Evo Morales, the country’s first Indigenous President. How did an Aymaran Indian coca farmer, the most marginalized, discriminated, and impoverished people in Latin America; finally won control of the political power to change the lives of all the peoples of Bolivia? How did the Indigenous people overpower the 500 year old political, economic and social institutions that exploited and degraded their country? The significance of this victory has implications not only for the Indigenous people and citizens of Bolivia but also to the other indigenous people around the world, other Latin American and developing countries, black African Americans and even to the U. S. and EU ‘majority’ citizens whose tax dollars pay for the implementation of imperialist policies but are ignorant or apathetic on how the ‘corporatocracy of America’ impoverish and kill other citizens around the world (Perkins, 2005). Petras (2004) has described the mass movement in Bolivia as one of the most important mass anti-imperialist movement in modern history, second only to Cuba. This is a big departure from the anti-globalization movements in North America by human rights activists, environmentalists and NGOs which only increases educational awareness but have no political or economic impact at all to the Imperialists. Due to the transformational impact and significance of the Political Voice of the Indigenous people, the paper aims to discuss the proactive actions of Indigenous people and the confluence of events which shifted the real power from the ‘white’ minority in Bolivia to the ‘Indigenous’ majority. Furthermore, it is significant to note that Petras’ (2004) insight to the sustainability of the mass movement in Bolivia can also be related to the sustainability of Bolivia’s New Indigenous government. Petras stated that the anti-imperialist movement in Bolivia is sustainable because inherent class struggles of peasants and urban workers are ‘embedded in the movement’. The mass-based leadership and its direct connection to the struggles of the people prevent the betrayal of the movement from ‘bourgeoise nationalists’ who are vulnerable to the seduction of the elite and foreign imperialist governments. Therefore, for the Bolivian Indigenous government to survive, it must stay anti-imperialist and create institutions, political instruments and polices that would make it secure against the attacks and at the same time strengthen its linkage to the struggles and daily lives of its people (Petras, 2004). This truth is affirmed by the current Indigenous president in his inaugural speech in 2006, â€Å"You have to control me. You have to control me. I may make a mistake but I will not betray you. † Most importantly, the paper highlights how the Indigenous knowledge and cultural values have provided Bolivia, an alternative framework for economic development, industrialization and management of natural resources. In addition, the solutions to promote solidarity and nationalism to Bolivia’s multi-ethnic and geographically divided population (which is also being attacked by the right-wing elite backed by the U. S. government) is found in the Indigenous Catholic Church. In the past, the church served as the catalyst for Bolivia’s mass movement. Today, the Indigenous Church continues to play a vital role in unifying Bolivian citizens. Lord Acton has noted â€Å"Christianitys capacity to transcend national differences, at least among believers. Its universalism, he noted, enabled nations â€Å"to live together under the same authority, without necessarily losing their cherished habits, their customs, or their laws. † (Jusdanis, 2001, p. 198) Another important source for the forging of ‘Bolivian Nationalism’ is the strong social democratic state led by Evo Morales which will assert its legitimacy and sovereignty, through equitable distribution of wealth and education and health reforms. As Lord Acton explained, â€Å"A nation is a moral and political being; not the creation of geographical or physiological unity but developed in the course of history by the action of the State. It is derived from the State, not supreme over it†. That the state should precede nationality was in his opinion essential for the maintenance of liberty and prosperity—the opposite of Herders belief that the state should grow out of the nation. (Jusdanis, 2001, p. 198) Furthermore, solidarity built through common experience of colonialism and imperialism has motivated Bolivia, South America, and Third World countries to create political instruments and institutions such as ALBA, Mercosur, Telesur, G22 to protect their respective countries’ sovereignty which is ‘necessary for the attainment of an equitable and balanced economic growth’(Morales, 1992). I. Background on Bolivia Bolivia is known for its extraordinary geography, the ‘Tibet of South America’; extreme poverty despite rich natural resources, ‘Beggar sitting on a throne of riches’; extreme racism and exploitation of the majority by few wealthy elites and by multinational corporations backed by an imperialist government, ‘Economic slavery and Apartheid lives in Bolivia! ’. However, these facts alone do not convey what is most significant about Bolivia, the extraordinary spirit of its Indigenous people. They never gave up and mounted 150 to 200 coups against oppression in its 160 years of independent history (Morales, 1992, p. 200). Furthermore, the Bolivian mass movement has been described by Petras (2004) as the most important anti-imperialist movement and second only to that of Cuba. The collective spirit or culture of the Indigenous people has proven its strength to endure 500 years of invasion and ‘dictatorship of individualism’ (Blanco, 2007). â€Å"Despite centuries of neglect, destruction of all cultural context or support, ethnic discrimination, starvation, cultural domination, religious conversion, racial bigotry, lack of education and health care, economic exploitation and destruction of their environment, the Andean Indian culture survives, smoldering in hearts and minds, towns and villages, streets and plazas† ( Dowbrigade. com, 2005). After more than 500 years, Highland and Amazon indigenous people still compose about two-thirds of Bolivias population. This is the highest proportion of Indians in the hemisphere. If this were true in the United States, it would be equivalent to ‘160 million Apaches, Hopis and Iroquois’ still living and embracing their culture despite being in a ‘white’ American society (Powers, 2005). Since the 16th century Spanish conquest, Bolivia’s Indigenous people and natural resources have been exploited first by colonizers and then by the elite minority in collusion with multinational corporations backed by the US Imperialist government. Silver was looted by the Spaniards, then the latter’s descendants, the wealthy urban elites or ‘whites’ looted the country’s tin and rubber. Bolivia is one of the most corrupt societies in the world according to a World Bank study. â€Å"Although Bolivia was long a major source of the worlds tin, the wealth from this irreplaceable resource went into the hands of a few absentee oligarchic families who lived mostly in Paris and New York† (Morales, 1992, p. xi). Moreover, the Spanish descendants or ‘whites’ which are only 5-15% of the population dominated and controlled political and economic life for centuries and was only halted by the election of Evo Morales in December 2005. The ‘white’ elites made a living as professionals, wealthy merchants, or high-ranking government officials. The racial term ‘white’ is chiefly associated with socioeconomic status in Bolivia (Morales, 1992, p. 14). On the other hand Indians comprise 60% of the population and they make a living as low-income subsistence farmers, miners, small traders or artisans (Country Profile: Bolivia, BBC News. com). The rest or 30% of the population are Mestizos who closely identify with the ‘whites’. The wealthy mestizos are also encouraged to marry daughters of impoverished ‘white’ families so they can have educated ‘white’ children and improve their status (Hudson and Hanratty, 1989. Powers (2005) aptly declares that, ‘Bolivian apartheid’ or ‘pigmentocracy of power’ continues to exist. In 1985, Father Gregorio Iriarte, published the following statistics: Bolivia has the highest infant mortality rate in all of Latin America (213 per 1,000) and the lowest life expectancy (47 years); half the nation is undernourished, with 70 percent of the children dying before the age of 15 of treatable diseases of poverty; more than 50 percent of the population is illiterate; and the country has one of the worst distributions of wealth in the Americas (the wealthiest 5 percent control 39 percent of the national income and the poorest 20 percent, only 2 percent)(cited in Morales, 1992, p. 204). In 2005, after twenty years of U. S. Aid and humanitarian programs, IMF and World Bank structural and neo-liberal economic policies, the Bolivia majority population still live on less than $2 a day (Powers, 2005). II. What are the factors that gave rise to the ‘Empowerment of the Political Voice of the Indigenous People of Bolivia? Support of the Catholic Church for the Indigenous People, Revitalization of the Indian Culture Waltraud Q. Morales in ‘Bolivia: Land of Struggle’ (1992) attributed Bolivia’s underdevelopment to the structure of powerlessness and lack of economic and political independence. She strongly advocated that the renewal of the nation and formation of a socio-economic model that would lift Bolivia from poverty lies in the Indian Culture (p. 202-204). Neither the defeated and decadent heritage of Spanish colonialism nor the declining, materialist imprint of North American imperialism can serve as the basis of moral renewal. The heritage that survives undefeated, whole, and vibrant is the Indian one. Unlike the Western system of wealth accumulation to the detriment of others, economic equality is integral to the indigenous vision of justice [italics mine]. The Aymara believe in Kuskachana or Pampachana, meaning the leveling or reestablishment of a balance. In the Aymara world view, uncontrolled growth as development is suicide, not progress; and development without respect for the earth negates the sense of themselves, their personal and cultural identity. The message from ancient voices is one not of greed or private property but of community and peoplehood† [italics mine] (Morales, 1992, p. 204). The revitalization of the ethnic Indian culture was initiated by the Catholic Church to stimulate indigenous political activism (Cleary, 2004). In 1968, Theology of Liberation was introduced in the Latin American Bishop Medellin Conference. The Church recognized that each culture has its own integrity and must be respected and given the freedom to develop their full potential. In addition, the Church advocated against the use of traditional church practices that foster the continuation of the domination of the ‘whites’ and ‘mestizos’ over the Indian peasants through paternalistic and accommodative practices (e. g. sponsoring of the fiestas and indebtedness of the peasants to the patron). The church recognized that the revitalization of the Indian Culture is central to transforming Bolivian politics and society. They trained native leaders as catechists and promoted the use of native language, ‘recovery of cultural memory’ and integration of the Indian cosmological view with Christian doctrines in the Bible which supported political self-determination (Cleary, 2004). Educational Centers were built and this helped raise the political consciousness of the Indigenous people; encouraged them to turn outward and ‘occupy their political space’, rather than show their resistance by isolating themselves in their communities. The Indian catechists also built their sense of citizenship; and recognition of their right and capacity to interact with the state instead of feeling inferior and staying outside of the political arena. They were also motivated to self-organize for their emancipation. This resulted in the flourishing of Grassroots organizations in Bolivia (Cleary, 2004). In the 1960s, Xavier Albo, formed CIPCA (Centro de Investigacion y Promocion del Campesinado) or Center for Investigation and Promotion of Peasants. He later helped young Aymara people establish the Tupac Katarista Center which helped develop young Aymaran leaders. Within a short span of time, these Aymarans occupied positions in several government peasant unions and also organized their own unions. Later on, these leaders were able to unite urban, mine, and rural workers to fight against unequal treatment and demand credit, education, and health services from the government (Cleary, 2004, p. 54). The Katarist movement and experience of other lowland grassroots organizations also influenced the Indigenous Center of Eastern Bolivia (CIDOB). CIDOB gained national prominence in 1990, when they organized the march of Indigenous people demanding â€Å"territory and dignity† over hundreds of kilometers across the country’s main highways to La Paz (Cleary, 2004, p. 54). Most importantly, the centers and the native church leaders through liberation theology aimed to develop ‘community solidarity’ among the Indians divided by plural ethnicities, cultures, geography and economic status (Cleary, 2004). Geo-political Reality in Bolivia Geography has been the more potent force, splitting the country in half, into a land divided. Communications and transportation systems have overcome neither the barrier of the high Andes Mountains cutting through the heart of the country nor the northeastern pull of the vast lowland rivers away from the highland and toward the undeveloped Amazon and Brazil. Nature itself seems in league with regionalist forces as this intricate system of waterways leads from nowhere to nowhere. Extreme topographical diversity encourages intense racial and cultural division between the Andean highlands and the eastern, tropical lowlands. Highlanders and lowlanders are aliens in each others world (Morales, 1992, p. 4). As further explained by Morales (1992), the Bolivian highlander identifies more with the other highlanders from Peru and Chile while the Bolivian lowlander identifies more with their fellow lowlander from Brazil or Argentina (p. 4). However, this affinity of Bolivians with people from neighboring countries can also be positive in the establishment of regional integration for the South American region to counter Imperialism. ‘Even within related Indian communities, wide differences in custom and dress persist. Within the Quechua nation, for instance, one can distinguish a variety of local groups: the Tarabucos, the Chayantas, the Laimes, the Ucumaris, the Calchas, the Chaquies, the Yuras Lipes, and the Tirinas. A highlander can readily identify the region of the country and the community of an Indian by differences in dress, custom, and music’ (Morales, 1992). Moreover, Bolivia is subdivided into nine regional departments or provinces administratively. These departments are La Paz, Oruro, Potosi, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Tarija, Santa Cruz, Beni, and Pando. Competition for political power and economic influence have historically characterized the relationships between these departments (Morales, 1992, p. 5. ). Furthermore, Chavez (2007) added that the division between the western highlands, and eastern lowlands is also racial, and socio-economic. The Western highlands is home to the impoverished indigenous majority while the Eastern provinces is home to wealthier people of mainly Spanish descent. The Eastern provinces also hold most of the countrys natural gas production and industry. Indian Culture and Values Central to the transformation of Bolivian Society Hugo Blanco, leader of the peasant uprising in the Cuzco region of Peru in the early 1960s explains how the Indigenous â€Å"cosmic vision is different from the Western outlook that views the creator as a superior immaterial spirit who created man in his image and likeness and created nature to serve him. For the indigenous cosmic vision, humanity is a daughter of and part of Mother Earth. We must live in her bosom in harmony with her â€Å"(Blanco, 2007). Blanco is proud of the Andean-Amazon culture and states that, â€Å"This culture is marked by deep knowledge of nature and is highly agricultural. Ours is one of the seven zones of the world to have originated agriculture†¦ For more than 10,000 years our culture domesticated 182 plant species, including around 3,500 potato varieties. Our people know 4,500 medicinal plants. Tawantinsuyos planned agriculture based on a system of watersheds and micro watersheds or basins. They built long aqueducts, taking care to avoid land erosion. Terracing was practiced on the slopes and â€Å"waru-waru† in the altiplano (highlands)]. Special technologies were used from zone to zone. Across the entire Tawantinsuyo territory they created storage buildings (qolqa) to supply food to the population whenever some climatic shift undermined agriculture †¦It’s true that the new forms of collectivism gave rise to privileged castes and wars of conquest. But in no part of the continent was production based on slave labor or the feudal system. Although there were privileged castes, hunger and misery did not exist. Orphans, persons with disabilities, and the elderly were cared for by the community† (Blanco, 2007). Cochabamba Water War 2000 Alturalde (2006) imparted that the indigenous people view ‘water as life and gift from Mother Earth’. When the World Bank and IMF in Bolivia imposed the privatization of water on the Bolivian government, Aguas del Tunari (ADT), the subsidiary the US-based Bechtel was awarded the contract which included sources of water that belonged to the Indigenous people since ancient times. When ADT announced an increase in water rates, which the Indigenous people could not afford, the latter in massive numbers went to Cochabamba to protest. Anger was already simmering due to the structural policies of the IMF which deprived them of much needed government services. The additional privatization of water which made it unaffordable to the poor indigenous people and the directive not even to save rainwater provoked violent reactions. Hundreds of people were injured in the ‘water war’. This disaster also made the people aware of the lack of recognition of the legal rights of the Indigenous people and their lack of strong political representation in Congress to defend their interests (Alurralde, 2006). Indigenous Alternative to Privatization In 2002, Bolivias Consejo Interinstitucional del Agua (interinstitutional water council) asked organizations for research on how to resolve the water conflict. The Comision para la Gestion Integral del Agua en Bolivia (commission for integrated water management in Bolivia) proposed a highly inclusive participatory process which would involve the use of the best possible science in determining the solution that would be in the best interest of the nation. (Alurralde , 2006). Numerous workshops for Indigenous communities in different parts of the country were held. To ensure that the new law would reflect the agreement on these meetings, the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Planning, and Parliaments Environment Commission were also included. The workshop organizers used Mike Basin, a computer simulation program to analyze the impact of the proposals. They used the data proposed by the government which is ‘assigning individual rights based on a fixed discharge’. The also used the data of the ‘daily water allocation by Indigenous communities under the traditional communal system. The results of the computer model showed that the traditional system allocated water much more efficiently and equitably, although it was not completely free of waste. The findings provided the foundation for key sections of Bolivias new irrigation law which was passed by Parliament in 2004 (Alurralde, 2006). ‘Many Indigenous peoples have a long history of using water wisely. By incorporating their views into the policy-making process, existing policies are strengthened’ (Alurralde, 2006). Nationalization of Natural Gas The ‘Gas War’ erupted from September to October 2003. These popular protests for the equitable distribution of the benefits of the country’s vast natural gas compelled the resignation of two presidents and the election of Evo Morales. The protests originated from the privatization of President Sanchez de Lozada of the gas and oil companies in 1996 under the orders of the IMF and World Bank. The proposal to sell liquid natural gas to the international markets through Chile, to whom their coastline was lost in the 18th century, further stoked the anger of the population. These people were already protesting the lack of transparency in the contracts and their impoverished condition compared to the visible wealth of the foreign companies and elites who controlled their country’s natural resources. In the National referendum on the gas issue on 2004, majority voted for greater state control and increased revenue for the state. In 2006, by Supreme Decree 28701, President Morales nationalized the country’s gas and oil industry (Hodges, 2007). This form of nationalization involved higher tax payments by petroleum companies and the renegotiation of contracts rather than expropriation. Due to these changes, income increased nine times from 2002 to 2007. In 2003 petrol companies paid an estimated $173 million US dollars in tax to the Bolivian government compared to 2007 payment of $1. 57 billion dollars (Hodges, 2007). These protests against specific issues of water, and gas and the visibility of the IMF and World Bank in imposing privatization and structural adjustment policies increased the growing awareness of the population of the direct linkage of their class struggles (urban workers and peasants) to macro-economic imperialist policies of the U. S. and the ‘white’ local elites (Petras, 2004). These united the multi-ethnic and diverse urban workers, miners, and rural peasants to a common struggle to oust the ‘puppet regimes’ of imperialist governments and install an indigenous President. Opening of Opportunities to Participate in the Political Process Aside from the Catholic Church’s role in encouraging political activism, other events and people contributed to the civic education of the Indians which built their political capacity to be able to install their own Indigenous President in Bolivia. The 1952 Bolivian National Revolution led by the MNR party, which was headed by the nationalist elite depended on the strength of the indigenous people to storm the Presidential palace. The Indigenous people began to recognize the strength of the alliance between urban workers and peasants (Cleary, 2003). Victor Paz Estonssoro, returned from exile as President and introduced reforms including universal suffrage, nationalization of tin mines and land distribution, and educational reforms, and improvement of status of indigenous peoples (Country Profiles, Bolivia, BBC News). These opened up opportunities to the indigenous people to participate in the national life (Cleary, 2004, p. 53). However, these reforms were interrupted by the intervention of the U. S. and the reversal of the nationalization program. In exchange for foreign aid, policies were instituted to promote foreign participation over the extraction of the natural resources (Lernoux, 1980). Under the Vice-Presidency of Victor Cardenas, an Aymaran Indian; laws were also passed to increase the political participation of the indigenous people in national life. In 1994, a Constitutional Amendment was passed to define Bolivia as a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural The law of Popular Participation also recognized the indigenous form of governments of ‘ayllu’ and ‘’imburvicha’. Public funds were channeled for the use of these government units. Furthermore, the 1995 Law of Decentralization, created stronger municipalities and generated synergy among the grassroots organizations of the indigenous people (Cleary, 2004, p. 55). The indigenous people proactively seized and enthusiastically embraced the opportunities for self-determination. They competed against entrenched politicians who even trucked voters during elections. After decentralization, 464 indigenous leaders were elected to local councils. More than 25% of those elected served as mayors and 9 out of 130 deputies were elected to Congress (Cleary, 2004, p. 57). Cleary (2004) attributed to the above elected Indigenous leaders the ‘widespread multicultural and bilingual educational system, establishment of new government agencies to serve the indigenous sector, acceptance of indigenous culture as part of the national patrimony, and the coming from shadows to prominence [of Indigenous peoples] in national politics’ (p. 57). National Unity against US Imperialism and Intervention. Waltraud Morales (1992) claims that foreign intervention undermines a country’s development because the ‘fragmentation of nationhood due to foreign control and intervention leads to extensive social, cultural, and moral disintegration (p. 202-204). Since culture and values plays an important role in the development of Nationalism in Bolivia, it is imperative that the state be anti-imperialist. This fragmentation takes place at the administrative levels, in the press, and in cultural activities; it is visible at the highest levels of population where little groups dispute the privilege of being friends of the foreigner; it descends to the people when the desperation of poverty causes one to consent to achieving an advantage by the sacrifice of dignity. †¦Extreme poverty facilitates colonization; men in Bolivia have a lower price. There is a certain level at which poverty destroys dignity; the North Americans have discovered this level and work on it: in their eyes and for their pocketbook, a Bolivian costs less than an Argentine or a Chilean. (Morales, 1992, p. 202).